Prognosis
Merkel Sets Path to Gradually Ease Germany’s Covid Lockdown
- Officials agree to phase in looser curbs starting Monday
- Plan includes ‘emergency brake’ in case hot spots emerge
A pedestrian walks past a closed retail shop in Cologne, Germany.
Photographer: Andreas Rentz/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Chancellor Angela Merkel set out a plan to gradually unwind restrictions on Europe’s largest economy, bowing to pressure from the pandemic-weary public.
After hairdressers resumed operations this week, the next step will start on Monday when book stores, flower shops and gardening centers can reopen, Merkel said late Wednesday after more than nine hours of tense talks with regional officials.